Katherine Applegate does it again! Her stories are simply magical and draw the reader in from the first paragraphs. I also always learn something from her books. I did not know about “mascot bears” before reading Pocket Bear nor did I know about the first bears created in Germany and their disappearance at sea. This would make the most lovely read aloud for families or teachers and allow for conversations to be held on the topics of kindness, empathy, the effects of war, and caring for people and things.

Pocket Bear is a sweet story about love, belonging, and second chances. Katherine Applegate does a wonderful job of weaving the past and present together. The story revolves around a tiny stuffed bear once carried by a WWI soldier, who is now living in a house full of forgotten/lost toys, a kleptomaniac cat, and a mother and daughter rebuilding their lives as survivors of war.

This story is full of compassion and sacrifice with just the right amount of humor.

Applegate has a knack for heartwarming. She's done an amazing job with otters, gorillas, trees, dogs, mice, and probably some other critters I've forgotten. This time it's the cat's turn! I will admit that I am not much of a cat person, although I like them fine. Even with that, Zephyrina is a wonderful character, who is exactly the sort of narrator I would expect from a cat. It's the sort of story that I would completely see being animated like An American Tail, Land Before Time or FernGully. It just has that epic but not ridiculous late 80s-90s vibe.

Fantastic one. Did you know about pocket bears that soldiers carried during WWI? We didn't. This is one of my auto reads/ authors, and she never disappoints. With a combination of always relevant and interesting research plus always amazing characters, we know that we are in for an emotional journey. The end was powerful with them together: two unlikely bears.
Thief cat (super awesome) rescues lost toys, and the humans in Second Chances make them adoptable again. There are so many layers and can be explored in the classroom with a multitude of themes from friendship to historical facts and the first teddy bears (stuffed animals) history. It's not too long, and it's easy to read.

Big voice and short chapters will make this a Swiss Army knife recommendation in the library, particularly for fans of animal stories.

Another hit out of the park book for Katherine Applegate. I love this story- I know kids are going to love it as well.

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate is the heartwarming story of a mother and her daughter who rescue unwanted toys and find them new homes. The main character is a tiny Pocket Bear, made for soldiers of World War 1 to carry into battle, and his attempts to save one of the original teddy bears manufactured in Germany. This story has good people, bad people and lots of fun loving toys and would be a great read for elementary aged children. As always, the author has concocted a great story while giving a bit of history of the world and toys of different eras.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5)

The characters in this enchanting tale are not only adorable but also remarkably realistic and well-developed, making them relatable and endearing to readers of all ages. Zephyrina, the charming cat, serves as our guide through the narrative, showcasing an impressive arc of character development that is often overlooked in stories featuring animal protagonists. Her journey is filled with moments that highlight her wisdom and understanding of the world around her, making her a pivotal figure in the storytelling process. Pocket, the titular bear, emerges as a strong little leader who embodies the virtues of kindness and the transformative power of giving hope and second chances to others. His character resonates with readers, illustrating how even the smallest among us can have a significant impact on the lives of those around them.

In contrast, the human characters, particularly Dasha and Victoria, provide valuable perspectives that enrich the narrative. Their differing views on the true value of a stuffed animal companion open up discussions about attachment, love, and the significance of these seemingly simple objects in our lives. The setting of the story is crafted with care, offering a simple yet detailed backdrop that feels both realistic and immersive. This careful world-building allows readers to fully engage with the story without overwhelming them, creating a perfect balance that enhances the plot.

The writing style is a delightful blend of realism, humor, and seriousness, effectively capturing the nuances of life while infusing the narrative with feelings of hope and a touch of magic. The author skillfully navigates through different emotional landscapes, providing moments of laughter alongside more poignant reflections, which keeps readers emotionally invested. The plot itself is interesting, informative, and captivating, weaving together various themes that resonate deeply. However, some readers may find their attention waning at times due to the medium pacing of the story. The dialogue, while engaging, is somewhat tailored towards an audience aged 8 and up, which may limit its appeal to younger or older readers. Additionally, the emphasis on emotion over action may leave some seeking a more dynamic storyline feeling slightly unsatisfied.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the plot is well-developed and rich in detail. One critique, however, is that certain characters do not face consequences for their actions, such as stealing and lying, which could have added depth to their arcs and reinforced the story's moral lessons. The author's note at the end of the book is a delightful addition, providing readers with insights into the inspiration behind the story and the real-life pocket bears and teddy bears that inspired the narrative. This note not only showcases the author's dedication to research and authenticity but also invites readers to appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind these beloved toys.

Furthermore, I found the biographies that Dasha wrote for each stuffed animal to be a particularly charming touch, adding layers to the characters and encouraging readers to connect more deeply with them. This creative exercise inspired me to create a biography for my own oldest stuffed animal, Cheeto. "Pocket Bear" by Katherine Applegate is more than just an illustrated story; it is a heartfelt exploration of the power of friendship, the importance of second chances, and the enduring hope that family and stuffed animals can bring into our lives. This narrative beautifully illustrates how even the simplest of companions can forge connections, brighten our days, and provide comfort in times of need.

The Pocket Bear is a beautiful story about friendship, courage, and discovering where you belong. Katherine Applegate delivers once again, with heartfelt writing and lovely illustrations that make this a new favorite!

This book was so heartwarming. It captured my attention so quick. I think this book is great for kids who aren’t big fans of reading because it’s so easy to get into and the chapters are short. Katherine Applegate’s writing is incredible. This book is told in the perspective of a cat who stumbles upon a teddy bear in the dumpster. She loves bringing toys back to his foster family as a thank you for feeding him. This book has a lot of charm and is about second chances. Definitely one to recommend.

This story was so moving and sweet. Katherine Applegate has such a gift for writing books that are both deeply emotional and quietly important. It felt quite a bit like Toy Story, but with a historical thread woven through, one that speaks to the lasting impact of war and the experiences people still live through today. And honestly, any story told from the perspective of a cat learning how to love and be loved is guaranteed to tug at my heartstrings. So many elements are woven together here to tell a beautiful story.

A sweetly saccharine story of stuffed animals that gives you the warmth from the first watch of Toy Story, the movie, the unlikely friendships from the [book:Orris and Timble: The Beginning:|195367863] books, and it's own story inserted about stuffies including Pocket's origin as a pocket bear for a soldier who meets another bear who had a different purpose of a person in Germany, and a cat who tells the story.

This is the kind of story expected from a great like Applegate providing empathy and warmth in inanimate objects like toys who have life experiences all their own to be cherished and heard.

The story of a tiny bear who longs for connection and belonging is both simple and profound. It gently introduces themes of loneliness, friendship, and hope—perfect for sparking meaningful conversations in the classroom or at home. I can't wait to share this with my students!

Katherine Applegate is the gold standard of children's literature, and this book is no different. I look forward to getting a physical copy to keep on our shelves to read many times over.

When a special bear is found in the trash by the resident "cat burglar" and brought to Second Chances, a place where old toys are given opportunity to bring new joy. Second Chances is a place where your past story does not have to be your future story. Zephyrina, the cat in question, is actually a huge part of this special place. There is a ranking of the toys and this cat is closest to the leader, a teddy bear, as well, but not the same kind of bear. The history of these two bears is told beautifully (and my teacher heart hopes it leads to researchers in my libraries). Readers will easily see how the toys can be fixed up from old wounds and find loving or more loving futures through this rescue. Readers will also see how the toys are already rescuing the humans in this home. Every story of love and warmth, safety and belonging, has to have an evil character. This one is smarmy and I am working on my voice as it will need to be perfect when I read this lovely book aloud to my classes this fall. I suspect it will be shared in many classes. The connections to history of wars and the history of bears are an easy grab for most elementary students. The shorter chapters with just enough cliffhanger ending each will make it perfect for reading aloud in class. My students across elementary will all find connections to this story. The need for family, support, overcoming obstacles, and bravery thread through the characters and the story well.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the pleasure of reading this book before the publication date.

thank you to netgalley for the audio of pocket Barrel by Catherine Applegate. this is a middle grade that follows a small teddy bear who wants one to a soldier in World War II.

Applegate does a wonderful job of bringing the animal characters to life. Give them fully human qualities such as emotions.

There is a realm where spectacular toys and books exist that were created with such supernatural flair that they created a seed of hope/imagination/possibility that have already and will continue to inspire and shape the world for the better of everyone. Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate has already found its home and own place within that realm. A stray cat named Zephyrina finds her way into the home of a mother and young daughter, and finds so much love there that she only knows how to love and protect them. when Zephyrina begins bringing "love tokens" out of generosity to her human family, they are surprised to find a collection of worn and tattered toys. However, this unique story soon reveals that among those toys, two special bears-- Pocket Bear and Berwon-- have special histories and backgrounds. Along their journey, the entire family and the Second Chances entourage encounter fascinating characters and adventures. Even though I am not a fan of reading through assortments of contractions cleverly tucked into narrative, I still found myself absolutely melting and adoring the sentimentality written into and throughout this book. This is a book for children of all ages, and a book that should be kept just within reach in case of those emergency moments when one needs the comforting reassurance of a stance of text to be read like a favorite letter or poem.

Absolutely phenomenal. True Applegate fashion, I couldn’t put it down and all my feels were out by the end. Wonderful read. I cannot recommend this enough

An absolutely delightful story of a cat, a group of stuffed toys, and a family in need. Young Dasha and her mom are trying to get back on their feet after fleeing war-torn Ukraine. Dasha's father died in the fighting and Dasha was injured. Despite their hardships, Dasha and her mom try to take care of those around them, especially lost and abandoned stuffed animals, usually recovered by their not-s0-friendly cat Zephyrina. Readers will adore the characters, especially Pocket Bear and his newly found friend Berwon, who turns out is one of the very first teddy bears ever made! The book is full of heart, adventure, laughs, and tears. Readers are sure to find it hard to put down! I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages!

I did not expect to love this middle grade fiction as much as I did, mostly because it has a historical/war element, which is usually a struggle for me. However, that did not get in the way of how much I adored this book. If you like stuffed animals, I highly recommend this book (yes, even though it is a children’s chapter book, you can read this book even as an adult!). Think Toy Story but with plushies instead of action figures. Librarians, parents, etc., get ready for this book to be the talk of the town come September. I already pre-ordered a copy for the library!